Can sugar consumption worsen anxiety?

A diet high in sugar directly causes anxiety due to physiological dysfunction. When sugary foods are consumed, blood sugar levels increase, followed by a drop that leads to a 30% increase in cortisol levels. This increase in hormone leads to anxiety and a foggy brain. I have noticed that my clients have reduced their panic attacks significantly when they have eliminated processed sugars from their diets.

Glucose steep declines cause physical symptoms of anxiety. When glucose levels are low, the body releases adrenaline. This produces shaking, sweating, and racing thoughts. The result is the same as an anxiety attack. This can be addressed by adjusting glucose levels to minimize fluctuations. All meals should contain protein and fiber. I recommend my clients eat every three or four hours to prevent the glucose crashes that will cause anxiety.

Substitute sugars with whole food options that help you calm your sympathetic nervous system and nourish your body, and substitute berries for candy as a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants. Use cinnamon to help calm sweet cravings while also regulating blood sugar. These substitutions help decrease inflammation and enhance GABA (a natural calming agent) production in your system.

Gradually rebalance your palate. Each week, reduce your intake of added sugars by half while increasing your consumption of magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach and almonds. The mineral defeats the excitatory effects of sugar on brain neurones. Get a scale to monitor your anxiety each day. Notice the direct beneficial changes in your level of emotional stability as you modify your eating patterns.

Read the full article: Nutrition for Mental Health: Essential Guide